2016: The year of "bae", heart eye emoji's, and the term "relationship goals". The current dating scene is more about sending mixed signals and running at the first sign of trouble than it is about long term commitment and dating with purpose. As we enter into the cooler months and I trade my tank tops in for sweaters, I can't help but reflect back on warmer days.
One particular day that comes to mind is March 29, 2015 or my 88 year old grandparents 70th wedding anniversary. We all came together to celebrate a relationship milestone that few people every have the joy of celebrating. As the designated photographer in my family I often find myself looking back at the pictures I took that day. After scrolling through these pictures for probably the five-thousandth time I began to reflect on how they had managed to stick with one another for so long. It didn't take me long to realize that my Grandma Mosley and Papa Mosley were the definition of relationship goals. I couldn't be prouder to call them my grandparents and I love sharing there story with anyone who will listen. So after several hours of contemplation, I have come up with a definitive list that explains why my grandparents are the definition of "#goals".
1. When the going gets tough, the tough stick with it.
After 70 years of marriage my grandparents have no doubt faced their fair share of hard times. However, because they stuck with one another during the rough times the good times are simply so much more meaningful. No relationship is with out struggles or arguments but those who can work together to overcome the challenges that life throws at them are the ones who will make it through.
2. Laugh and I'll laugh with you.
This picture is one of my favorites. It's not often that I catch my Papa Mosley laughing. More often than not the only one who really gets him chuckling is my Grandma Mosley. Laughter is important and finding someone who makes you laugh on your darkest days is a blessing.
3. They balance each other out.
My Papa Mosley is a very blunt man with an extremely dry sense of humor; but, my Grandma Mosley has just the right amount of sass to balance him out. Fortunately, I ended up with a lovely mixture of sass from Grandma Mosley and the dry sense of humor that could only come from my Papa Mosley. Finding someone who can hold their own with you is practically a necessity when you start talking about the idea of spending 70+ years with another person.
4. It's the small things.
From my Papa Mosley opening doors for my Grandma Mosley to the inside jokes and adoring glances shot towards one another, they're always there for each other. At first glance this picture doesn't immediately scream "#goals". But when, I look at this picture I see my Papa Mosley watching from afar as my Grandma Mosley sets up her camera. Maybe relationship goals is less about always being next to one another and more about knowing the other person always has your back.
5. It's not about me it's about we.
We live in the world of the selfie but my grandparents grew up in a simpler time. Your reputation was built on what people thought of you in person rather than the number of likes you receive on Instagram. As I recall memories involving my grandparents I can't help but remember how classy the pair always dressed. Whether it was for the birth of a grandchild or for a holiday my grandparents always dress as a pair and they always dress in the classiest way possible.
70 years ago my grandparents embarked on a journey that would eventually lead to four boys and countless grandchildren (and even some great grandchildren)! I can only hope that one day I will be in the kind of relationship that articles can so easily be written about.
